NRL news: Historic Las Vegas fixture forces major Charity Shield change

In a blow to country rugby league, Mudgee won’t host the Charity Shield, with a shock venue in line to host the annual pre-season fixture.

The annual Charity Shield between South Sydney and St George Illawarra is headed to Sydney for the first time in seven years.

WIN Jubilee Stadium at Kogarah or Wollongong’s WIN Stadium are the preferred venues for the pre-season fixture, most likely to be held on Saturday, February 17.

The Charity Shield has never been played at Jubilee Stadium in the 41-year history of the pre-season contest.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has made no secret of his desire for the club to embrace their heartland of St George and the Charity Shield would leave an indelible mark.

Two of the biggest disappointments of 2023, South Sydney and St George Illawarra will be aiming to send a message to their loyal fans by hitting the ground running in a clash that is always viewed as much more than a trial match.

The Rabbitohs pose with the 2023 Charity Shield. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

The NRL’s historic season launch in Las Vegas, which will include South Sydney, is a factor behind moving the fixture.

The traditional clash has been played at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee since 2018.

The Rabbitohs are planning to take a 15-hour flight to Los Angeles on February 18, just 24 hours after the Charity Shield.

The international expedition has heightened the focus of recovery and rehabilitation of all four clubs involved with the season kick-off in Las Vegas.

By playing the Charity Shield in Sydney, the Rabbitohs will reduce their travel time and aid their recovery, as opposed to needing to also incorporate extra travel time from Mudgee.

The NRL are in the process of constructing the 2024 season draw, with the hope it will be ready for public release by the late-November.

Latrell Mitchell carts it up in the Charity Shield at Glen Willow Sporting Complex in Mudgee, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

While it is the decision of 17 clubs to choose their pre-season locations and fixtures, there is an ambition from the NRL to cover for the loss of the Charity Shield in Mudgee by replacing it with a regular season match within regional NSW or QLD.

In preparation for what will prove a defining season for South Sydney, the Rabbitohs are also planning to play a pre-season trial match on the Central Coast, on top of a string of their biggest names being invited to play in the annual NRL Indigenous and Maori All Stars fixture.

The Rabbitohs will face the Sea Eagles and the Roosters will square-off against the Broncos in Las Vegas for round one.

A return to WIN Stadium, Wollongong, for the Charity Shield would be the first time the match has been played at the stadium in 10-years